Apr 30 Kujira Shokudou | くじら食堂

Kujira Shokudou was one of the finest new Tokyo ramen shops to open in 2013. The master, Shimomura-san, trained at Shichisai, an influential shop in Toritsu-kasei. The lineage can clearly be tasted in the bowls served at Kujira Shokudou.

Shimomura-san's specialty is a Kitakata-style shoyu ramen, with fabulous house-made temomi noodles. These are world-class noodles. Like Shichisai, the chashu here is also top level – thick, succulent and unforgettable.

This is one of those shops where you really can't go wrong – everything on the menu is skillfully prepared. Both the shoyu and shio come highly recommended, but the shop also serves miso ramen, tsukemen, abura-soba and other treats. This is one of the best shops on the Chuo line – a pretty badass train line for ramen and salaryman drinking dens. It's a must-hit on the Tokyo ramen scene.